May Challenge…The Women Who Shaped Me
…And Continue to Do So
The hardest task I faced with this challenge was how to include all of the women who helped me become who I am without writing a post so long that even I wouldn’t read it.
With brevity in mind, I honor the women who have, and continue to, impact my life.
My Grandmother, Kate, the woman for whom I was named. She was a force and was respected by everyone. Mama Lum, as some called her, fished, smoked cigarettes, drank one beer a day, and it never crossed her mind to say “family only.”
She stood up for what she believed in, including taking a case to the Supreme Court.
Her influence is why all are welcome at my table; why I have a habit (often a bad habit) of trying to help everyone solve their problems; and why I enjoy cooking.
My Mother was kind and thoughtful to everyone. She spent what seemed like hours trying to find the perfect gift, often for people she barely knew.
She would have been like Beth in Little Women, or Rose in The Golden Girls. One thing she was firm on, though, was our grammar. Any misstep, and I received a firm “Katherine Lynn.”
My Aunt Berda was tiny but could and would take on anyone. I learned many driving tactics from her (“now don’t do what I just did”); how to pick the right purse; and the most important thing…never stoop or lower yourself to someone’s level.
I also got my love of miniatures from her.
My neighbor and FL family member, Joanne, was another tiny person, but in that tiny frame is a huge heart and the most remarkable ability to make everyone feel special.
For her 50th birthday, her husband arranged for an overweight male stripper, who looked more like a Sumo wrestler. Joanne took it all in stride and led everyone in laughter.
No matter what gift she received, she made the giver feel as if they’d presented her with a chest full of diamonds.
Fortitude, Grace, Humor, Gratitude…all gifts they shared with me.
I’m still learning…
I’m continually inspired by working mothers who somehow balance caring for their families while meeting the demands of their careers—and I learn from them every day.
This is my entry for the May 2026 ActiveRain Challenge | Women Who Shaped Us hosted by Kathleen Daniels and Carol Williams.
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